Aug 5, 2013

This zucchini is incredibly delicious with a little bit of a Mexican kick from the jalapeno then topped with melted queso blanco. It's also easy and quick, a must try!

I'm a bit of a cookbook addict. It's a problem as I'm running out of room in my home for all my books, but that never stops me from buying new ones. But the biggest problem is that I kinda neglect them. But this weekend I was thumbing through the Aaron Sanchez's (who is one of the judges on Chopped - one of my favorite shows) cookbook Simple Food, Big Flavor who is also one of the judges on Chopped (one of my favorite shows) and I came across his Mexican recipe for zucchini. I can't get enough of zucchini in the summer, in fact I have an entire Pinterest Board devoted to skinny zucchini called Yummy Zucchini, so I decided to test this out...

You MUST try this! I only made a few tweaks using less oil, and and rather than making a cilantro pesto, I added Garden Gourmet cilantro paste and minced pickled jalapeno for kick. It totally exceeded my expectations.

Cook
the garlic in oil in a large skillet over medium heat 1 minute,
stirring until sizzling. Add zucchini and cook stirring occasionally,
about 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add the tomato and green
onion and cook about 3 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and add
cilantro paste, jalapeño and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste
and top with queso blanco. Serve hot.

OMG this looks sooo good. Quick question: Is the pickled jalapeno something you can buy, or do you make it? I can't say as I've noticed that one on the shelves with the pickles. Is it the kind you buy to put on nachos, in a can?

The herbs are available in the supermarket, or you can use fresh. I just happened to have the tube. The queso blanco I got at Costco, or any Latin market would have it. Or you can use Cotija or queso fresco.

I had to double check this, because I was saying to myself "I know I've made this from her before.." then When I read Aaron Sanchez I remember I got it out of a magazine and we LOVED it! I will definitely have to try your version too!!

I found it at walmart, I'm in the midwest, but I'm sure they'd have it where you are. They didn't have it with the feta cheeses or regular cheeses, they had it near the "special" cheese section, hopefully that helps!

I got my queso blanco at Whole Foods if that helps the people that are looking. It was near the specialty cheeses but not in the same case. It was in an 8oz block I think. I have leftover from the corn soup she posted a couple weeks ago (also amazing!). It is no where near as salty as feta can be but has a similar consistency. If you use feta you might want to cut back on the salt a little.Can't wait to try this! I love zucchini and am always looking for meatless entrees to switch things up. Would use this for taco filling too.

I made this for dinner tonight and it was sooo yummy!!! I served it with chicken tacos and my husband didn't even miss the usual rice and beans. This is a definite keeper!! Thanks so much for sharing this :-)

I agree!!! I have some left over Queso fresco from the AMAZING corn soup and have zucchinis from the neighbors garden.. so I cannot wait to try this!!! Fresh cilantro from the garden too... great idea for taco or tortilla wraps.. and would add shredded chicken for the protein. Gina has become my #1 resource for excellent recipes.

I made this dish last night and it was fantastic and delicious! I was a bit skeptical with the Garden Gourmet Cilantro Paste, but it was a great fresh taste and now I don't have to worry about a fresh bunch of cilantro going bad. Have you experimented with any of the other Garden Gourmet selections?

I have used the basil and the ginger, in addition to the cilantro, all with great results! I bought a spicy red pepper one (can't remember what it's really called) but I haven't used it yet. They're so convenient!

Making this right now, with Feta. I was going to get queso blanco, but it was high $$$ for how much I was going to use. Besides, I love feta. A Mexican chain here puts feta on their nachos and they're amazing.

Are pickled jalapenos what is typically on salad bars at the supermarket? I don't really like spicy food, and don't want to buy a whole bottle. But would try what is on salad bar and slowly add to recipe.

This looks spectacular, as always Gina. I'm including it in a collection of Weight Watchers friendly zucchini recipes I'll be posting Sunday. Can't wait to try it. It's nice to know there are other cookbook addicts in the world! I don't think I'll ever get over it.

My family has made a dish similar to this only we used fresh jalapenos and add sliced mushrooms. We topped with monterey jack cheese. So good, the broth is so good too, I save and add it over brown rice.

I just made this and it was great. I tweaked it a little since i had mushrooms that were starting to turn. I also added hamburger to make it more of a skillet meal. I live alone so I love easy meals that can provide leftovers for lunch. A real winner even though I forgot the cilantro paste. :(

I had feta, so I made this go greek- fresh mint, lemon juice Cavenders greek seasoning and feta, yum! Can't wait to get some queso blanco or fresco to make it this way. I have plenty of zucchini to experiment with!

Made this tonight with fresh minced cilantro and queso fresco. Mmmm, loved it! Served it as a side to your plate licking jalapeno popper chicken. And had your pina colada cupcakes for dessert. You get all the credit for the tasty dinner :) Thank you so much. PS Ive pinned over 100 of ur recipes on pinterest lol

Yummy!! I think I'd like to try adding the black beans and maybe mushrooms next time. I couldn't find queso blanco so I just used reduced fat Mexican blend. I made this as a side to the Slow Cooked Sweet Barbacoa Park.

Made this last night for my family and it was so good! While making it I wasn't sure it would have a lot of flavor, but it did. Used Cotija cheese instead of Queso Blanco, but otherwise followed recipe exactly. Perfect for an easy, healthy side dish.

We grew up with a similar version..Moms has sliced zucchini..sliced white onion and tomato garlic powder oregano and actually any kind of white cheesefollow the same ibatructions..only saute slightly the zucchini..on low heat..add onion tomato garlic powder and oregano..let simmer in its own juices until zucchini is tender..turn off heat and add ahredded white cheese on top..let melt..serve with pork chops and a side of beans and rice :) it is only a pinch of oregano..and i like to use pepperjack cheese i found it gives it a nice kick without overpowering it

I love this recipe! I've made it several times, switching it up based on what I have on hand. SO good in a cast iron skillet! And perfect for picky family members who think they don't like zucchini... :)

Just made this for a quick side dish to go along with some breaded chicken tonight. Delicious!! We all loved it. I used feta cheese, lemon juice because I didn't have any lime juice, and I used some extra green onion. Going to save this recipe for future quick sides :)